Network Rail has awarded Siemens Rail Automation a contract to supply, install and support European Train Control System (ETCS) in-cab signalling on the fleet of 745 freight locomotives across Great Britain.
This is the first of a series of contracts which will see ETCS – a key component of Network Rail’s Digital Railway programme – installed on the country’s entire fleet of passenger and freight locomotives.
Network Rail said that ETCS will make Britain’s locomotives safer, greener and will help to unlock capacity.
Siemens Rail Automation managing director Rob Morris described the deal as a “landmark digital railway project” and one of the largest retrofit programmes of ETCS in the country.
The value of Siemens’ 10-year “multi-million pound” contract has not been disclosed.
The scope of the contract covers the initial addition of Siemens’ Trainguard ETCS 200 on-board system and the upgrade of the locomotive’s train protection warning system, as well as a further 10-year support period, which will see Siemens working with Network Rail and six freight operating companies (FOCs)
Trainguard 200 is a Level 2, Baseline 3 solution. The installation work will be undertaken by multiple stakeholders, including Network Rail, Siemens and FOCs, as well as subcontractors in the wider supply chain across the UK and Europe. Siemens’ subsequent support work for each individual FOC will begin on acceptance of the ETCS installation on their first fleet vehicle.
Rob Morris added: “Having proven our equipment and delivery capabilities in a number of similar projects in Europe, our experienced teams are now looking forward to working collaboratively with Network Rail and the freight operating companies to deliver this digital railway project.
“More than 150 engineers will be engaged in the work, including our sub-contractors and supply chain partners, which will be delivered from a number of locations throughout the UK.”
Read more: Investigators release initial report into Washington train derailment
